1. to set up the formation program of the catechumenate and to lay down norms according to local needs (see RCIA 12);

In practice, setting up this formation is left to the pastor, or the parish minister. Sometimes a bishop will take interest in the formation of those who work with catechumens.

2. to decide whether and when, as circumstances warrant, the entire rite of Christian initiation may be celebrated outside the usual times (see RCIA 26);

3. to dispense, on the basis of some serious obstacle, from one scrutiny or, in extraordinary circumstances, even from two (see RCIA 331);

This provision is occasionally ignored. I have heard from a colleague–I mentioned this a few weeks ago–of one pastor who routinely dispensed the elect from all the scrutinies. The reasoning was something along the lines that they were too negative or depressing.

4. to permit the simple rite to be used in whole or in part (see RCIA 331);

about Todd Flowerday

A Roman Catholic lay person, married (since 1996), with one adopted child (since 2001). I serve a parish in music ministry.

about John Donaghy

John is a lay missionary since 2007 with a parish in western Honduras. Before that he served in campus ministry and social justice ministry in Iowa. His ministry blog is http://hermanojuancito.blogspot.com

He also blogs reflections on the lectionary and saints/heroes/events of the date at http://walktheway.wordpress.com

He'll be a long-term contributor here analyzing the Latin American bishops' document from their 2007 Aparecida Conference.